MLB will honor Newtown shooting victims at all openers

Mar. 22, 2013
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Robbie Parker, left, father of Sandy Hook School shooting victim Emilie Parker, will throw out the first ball at the Texas Rangers' opener this season, part of Major League Baseball's plan to honor the Newtown, Conn., shooting victims at all MLB openers. / Jessica Hill, AP

by By Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports

by By Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports

Major League Baseball announced Friday that it will honor the victims of the shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., at its season-opening games at each ballpark this season.

Also, Robbie Parker, the father of 6-year-old Emilie Parker who was killed on Dec. 14, 2012, will throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Texas Rangers' home opener April 5 against the Los Angeles Angels. Parker grew up in North Texas and is a Rangers fan, and he used to take his daughter to games.

The Rangers are one of 30 teams that will honor the 20 children and six adults who were killed. Every player, manager, coach, umpire and on-field personnel will wear a symbolic ribbon patch through April 2. The patch features the official seal of Newtown, along with a black memorial ribbon and 26 stars. There will also be a moment of silence at each ballpark.

"The unimaginable tragedy that befell Newtown, Conn.,'' MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement, "will never be forgotten. Major League Baseball, all 30 clubs and baseball fans around the country and Canada offer our deepest sympathies and our unbridled support as the community continues to heal from this heartbreaking day.''

The clubs will also auction jerseys signed by its players and coaches with proceeds going to the Sandy Hook School Support fund, providing services to the families and Newtown community.